28 February 2011

Mitrovica Rock School is planning a new concert in March, 2011, at the Center for Resources, Youth and Media (ex-VIVA).

How the preparations workEven though there aren’t many good places for gigs in Kosovska Mitrovica, Mitrovica Rock School is trying really hard to keep it all organized as much as it’s possible.Good clubsSo far, Mitrovica Rock School held gigs at “Retro Pub”, “Viva” and “Song Club”. All bands have regular rehearsals until there comes a time for a concert – then they have organized more general rehearsals so the bands would be ready on time. Professors are doing their best to organize general rehearsals so they’d fit every students’ obligations, so everyone would attend the rehearsal on time.

Concert dayIf general rehearsals didn’t already finish for all bands, some are moved on the concert day, usually in the morning, so students wouldn’t be tired to perform that night. A few hours before the gig, the professors and students carry the instruments and everything else they need to the club or to the café the concert is supposed to be happening.

All bands are supposed to be there at least a half an hour before the gig starts. When it gets crowded in the audience – the performance starts. Will you be on that stage or in the audience – that’s your choice, but whatever that you do, a great time is guaranteed.

Haven’t you signed up already?If you play any instrument, or sing, or write songs, if you have musical experience, AND if you don’t, but you want your voice to be heard by playing, singing and/or writing songs – Mitrovica Rock School is the right place for you!

All you have to do is visit the current location of Mitrovica Rock School (right behind the “Cool” café in Kosovska Mitrovica). We are welcoming EVERYONE and we will support you for anything that you choose to do here – for only 5 euros a month.

24 February 2011

Yes! (I still can’t believe myself) but appearantly in the Mitrovica rock school, nothing’s impossible :). Slash!Our schools fame and support is being expanded every single day, it even arrived in the far United States and somehow ended up with SLASHS personal support and signature!!

His signature!Well I have to be honest.. telling all my Slash-FAN friends, that I actually held something with HIS signature in my hands was pretty harsh. Harsh dealing with all those surprised faces and looks of disbelief , until they say this photo of evidence!! :D

Rocking stuffIt’s a really nice feeling to know that your IDOL, that you can only see on famous tv shows, actually knows that you exist, and gives you support and courage to continue doing rocking stuff like music :) .

All this magic...I’m really proud that I’m having the chance of being part of all this magic and.. I’m wondering what’s next?! A Mick Jagger signed guitar? An invitation to perform with Tina Turner?.. maybe Paul McCartney?

Read more about Slash's support here.Photo: singers Edona and Blerta and bass player Enver with autographed Slash doll.

23 February 2011

As we know, Mitrovica Rock School is the first school of rock here in Kosovo. It is also the loudest and the greatest one!Expressing talentIn Mitrovica Rock School, students have chance to learn how to play our favorite instruments, and how to sing. With some words, it's the exact place to express our talent. MRS, is divided into two branches, North-branch and the South-branch.

Our teachersIn South branch, there are six great teachers who are so proffessional and hard workers. They teach us whatever we need, also they are so friendly and understand us in every case. Simply, They Rock !

Nesim's drum lessonsNesim Maxhuni is one of them. He teaches us how to play Drums. The drumming lessons are every Wednesday (individual lessons), starting at 4.30p.m. until 7.00 p.m. During that time, Nesim helps me and the other students with our band songs, if there’s anything we don’t understand or that can’t play, he explains it to us, plays it together with us, and makes it much easier for us. I’m very thankful to him, for everything he tought me since the first day he started working here in MRS.

Can't wait!He also teaches new rudiments, drum solos, how to read drum tabs, etc. After school lessons, he gives us new stuff to learn, so we can practice it for a week, and be able to play it the other Wednesday. I just can’t wait for it. And I bet that also the other students feel the same.

Talent and cool teachersExpressing the feelings and the talent is great. That's what MRS students do, being helped by these proffessional cool teachers.

The newest concert of Mitrovica Rock School was in November 16th, 2010. Seven bands performed in this order: Revenge, Behind The Light, Dark Sky, Midnight, Medvedici, Panic and Hemophobia. The concert was held in the „Song Club“ cafe.

Jelena's all-girl band Revenge

Rock School's North branch on the moveMitrovica Rock School regurarly worked in a house near Bosnjacka Mahala until it has to move out, so at the moment, the Rock School is located in a wooden space behind the „Cool“ cafe, though in that location are only held band reherseals, the bass guitar classes and the drum classes, while classes as: guitar class, singing class and music theory class, are held at the Tehnical High School in Kosovska Mitrovica. So the rock school would work with the basic terms, when it’s about the space, the professors and the students of the rock school are hoping that the school will soon finally be moved in the building where the cafe „Viva“ used to be located at, so that there would be held both reherseals and classes.

Classes and band coachingMitrovica Rock School is offering a music education of childrena and people of all age. For five euros a month – a student can attend: drum classes, bass guitar classes, guitar classes, singing classes and music theory classes – as much classes the student chooses, he will pay only five euros a month, and if later a student wants to form a band, the price will be the same.

Music as a hobby or a careerMitrovica Rock School is always adapting to school and personal student’s obligations, everything is done in agreement which both professors and students have to respect. No matter if a student wants to engage in music in the future, too, or it is just a hobby, the rock school will certainly give fun, along with, of course, a practical education in rock music mostly that is hard to learn somewhere else in Kosovska Mitrovica.

Sign up!If your child loves music, has a sense of hearing and is ready to learn to play an instrument or to work on its voice and singing talent, all he needs to do is to visit the temporary rock school space that is located behind the „Cool“ cafe and sign in.

If you love music, playing some instrument or singing, Mitrovica Rock School is right place for you!

It's place where singers, guitarists, drummers and beginners meet bands and coaches. Everyone starts from 1st level and moves forward to 2nd, 3rd, 4th and finally 5th. Higher levels include more cooperating with bands, more practice, work and experience, and with it - more fun.

What so great about rock school?Rock school supports every music genre - from metal to blues. You can enjoy playing already existing songs or either make your own.

Mitrovica Rock School is temporarily placed in small house behind barbecue restaurant "Cool", but it will be replaced soon in much larger space where many band rehearsals, classes and coaching will be able at the same time.

Mitrovica Rock School also organizes many gigs and concerts for bands formed in school.

21 February 2011

From February 27 through March 6, the teachers and coordinators of the Mitrovica Rock School will travel to the Netherlands for a training week at the Fontys Rock Academy. Meet the Mitrovica team!

Milos Drazevic In his role as the project manager of Mitrovica Rock School for local organization CBM, Milos is responsible for the daily operations of the school. He is the first point of contact on the ground for partners, parents and press. He also coordinates the Rock School branch in North Mitrovica.

Milos is a musician as well: he plays the bass guitar in the bands Psycho-Sonic Boris, Hosenfefer and Dutch-Kosovo band Return of the Sahbaz (ROTS).

Ajten Sylejmani SahatciuBorn and raised in Mitrovica, Ajten started working at the Mitrovica Rock School as a Coordinator for South Branch in November 2010.

Ajten is not a musician, but brings to the project the organizational expertise she gained working for different organizations in Mitrovica and Pristina.

At the Fontys Rock Academy in the Netherlands, Ajten expects to learn more about what is involved in running a successful cultural-educational institution. This will be her first international training trip, and she is looking forward to it immensely!

Goran VuceticGoran is self-taught and has been playing the guitar for 20 years now. He has played hundreds of gigs, jam sessions, festivals and major concerts.

At the Rock School, Goran coaches everything from punk to pop bands. In addition, Goran wrote and recorded the soundtrack of the documentary ‘The Visit’ in 2009(directed by Anthony Barilla).

Since the Rock School’s opening in October 2008, Goran has been working as a band coach and guitar and bass teacher at the Rock School’s branch in North Mitrovica.

Edon RamadaniEdon picked up the keyboard 14 years ago. He has played with many singers and bands in various genres, including pop, rock, folk and jazz. Edon is a man of many talents: besides the keys, he plays the guitar, bass guitar and drums, and has been known coach our vocalists as well.

In November 2008, Edon started as the coordinator of the Rock School’s South branch. With the professionalization of the school, Edon handed his coordination duties to Ajten, but continues to provide huge operational support and work on the development of the school’s didactic structure. On a daily basis, Edon works as a band coach and keyboard instructor.

Valon GashiBorn and raised in Pristina, Valon first taught himself to play the guitar 19 years ago. With over 700 recordings to his name as a studio musician, Valon has proven himself in a broad range of musical genres. But more than anything, Valon loves to play the blues.

Valon joined the Rock School in February 2010 as a senior guitar and bass teacher. He is part of the new team that will work on the professionalization of the Rock School, and he will be able to teach even our most advanced students for years.

Nesim MaxhuniNesim first started drumming at the early age of 13. In 2000, he launched his career as a professional musician and he has sky-rocketed since. He has played numerous gigs with different bands throughout the Balkans, and has performed at several major festivals. Apart from his impressive track record as a performer, Nesim has co-organized several jam sessions in Mitrovica, to give young musicians from the rock music city a boost.

Nesim joined the Rock School in February 2010 as a drum teacher. He is part of the new team that will work on the professionalization of the Rock School, and he will provide teacher training to former Rock School student Vedat.

Mladen MarinkovicOriginally from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mladen now lives in Mitrovica, Kosovo. Mladen is self-taught and has been playing the drums for more than 19 years. He has recorded over 150 studio tracks and has performed throughout the Balkans. Mladen currently has six bands in Mitrovica: Psycho-Sonic Boris, Hosenfefer, Tribute To The Partibrejkers, Chicken Farm, Lazy and Return Of The Sahbaz.

Since October 2008, Mladen has been working as band coach and drum instructor at the Mitrovica Rock School. Mladen is also working as a student counselor, and helps the Rock School students organize their own gigs.

Erhan MujkaBorn and raised in Mitrovica, Erhan is currently enrolled at the Faculty of Arts in Pristina as a student of classical guitar. In addition, he has been working as a music teacher at the primary music school in Mitrovica since 2003. Besides classical music, Erhan also plays rock music and blues.

Since October 2008, Erhan has been working as band coach and guitar and music theory instructor at the Mitrovica Rock School. Erhan is also working as a student counselor, and helps the Rock School students organize their own gigs.

Nemanja "Miske" MisicAt 22 years old, Nemanja (nicknamed “Miske”) is the youngest and newest member of the team. Miske started as a student at the Rock School, but is currently working as a trainee bass guitar teacher.

Miske hopes that Mitrovica Rock School will continue to offer youth opportunities to develop as musicians and creative individuals, and help improve the cultural scene of the entire city. As for the training week in Netherlands, he expects it will be a great help to him in his future work at the Rock School.

Emir PlavaEmir Plava is a Mitrovica native and has been working as a professional musician for 23 years. He has had over 4,000 gigs in Kosovo, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro, Greece, and Cyprus.

Emir joined Mitrovica Rock School in March 2010 as a bass guitar teacher, performance coach and band coach. Also, as an experienced singer, he coaches the Rock School’s vocalists. Emir notes that the Rock School, and particularly the opportunity to work with youth and meet new people, is an extremely positive experience for him .

During the training week at the Rock Academy, Emir expects to learn from more experienced musicians – we’ll see if we can find any!

Ivana Popovic Ivana works as a vocal coach and theory teacher at the Rock School’s North branch.

With a classical background, Ivana finished primary music school for piano and singing, then music high school and final Music Academy for solo singing.

Ivana joined the Rock School in March 2010, and has since received specific training from Fontys Rock Academy students in the techniques of pop and rock singing. A good teacher and a fast learner, Ivana looks forward to getting all she can out of the training week in the Netherlands to further advance her work at the Rock School.

Miodrag “Misko” Radovic Born and raised in Mitrovica, Misko has been around the Mitrovica music scene for a long time. In addition to playing in many bands, he has been extremely active in organizing music festivals, including the Rock Fest and Jazz & Blues Fest. Misko studied drums at the Barcelona Music Academy. He also plays guitar and percussion and he sings.

At the Rock School, Misko teaches advanced drums and is in charge of developing the school’s didactic structure. This will be Misko’s second visit to the Fontys Rock Academy, where he will be leading the team in the discussion on didactics and methodologies.

The first week of March 2011, the teachers and coordinators of the Mitrovica Rock School will travel to the Netherlands for a training week at the Fontys Rock Academy.

Fontys Rock AcademyThe Rock Academy is one of the four organizations behind the Rock School, training local staff in band coaching, didactic approaches and, now, institutional development.

Sustainable rock and rollAt the Rock Academy, the Mitrovica team will learn what it means to be a sustainable cultural-educational institution. How do Dutch music schools survive? What is a reasonable proportion between the number of teachers and the number of students? How can you market your school? How do you balance commercial demand and quality?

Teacher trainingIn addition, the Rock Academy will focus on the development of the Rock School's curriculum. Which materials do teachers use in lessons? How do you treat different levels? Where do you start with an absolute beginner?

Familiar facesDuring the training week, the Mitrovica team will be reunited with Rock School veterans like Sophie, Joosje, Nienke, Jonathan and Eric. Of course they will also meet many new people and have new experiences in the Netherlands. The week will be coordinated by the Rock Academy's Gerdien Visser, who has been closely involved in the Rock School's development since 2008.

Watch out, Tilburg, the Rock School is coming!Read more about the Fontys Rock Academy on its new website (in Dutch, but with great pics).

The Rock Academy Training Week is part of the larger Mitrovica Rock School program, organized by Musicians without Borders, Community Building Mitrovica, IKV Pax Christi and the Fontys Rock Academy. Read more about the Rock School and the organizations behind it here: www.musicianswithoutborders.org/p_poprock.

8 February 2011

Yesterday, 25 aspiring rock musicians - ages 10 to 20 - auditioned at the Rock School's South branch. With openings for new band members as well as absolute beginners, both Rock School branches are recruiting new students.

While the applicants crowded the hallway and the second classroom, teachers took basic ear and rhythm tests and invited those with some experience to demonstrate their skills.

Waiting...

The result? Nearly all students were found to be sufficiently talented, while a second intake round may be held to complete the new bands.

The one thing we're still missing? BASS PLAYERS! So all you admirers of Flea, Sting, Sid Vicious and Dusty Hill, get on down to the Rock School and help us get our groove on!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

Southeast Europe's first rock music school

The Mitrovica Rock School restores rock music culture to the ethnically divided city of Mitrovica, Kosovo. Local musicians teach the city’s future rock stars. Throughout the region, the Mitrovica Rock School is known as an example of a new way to bridge cultural differences.